In Kasese district, running enthusiasts and adventure seekers from around the world gathered in Kasese District for the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon on Saturday. This event, which attracted participants from over 20 countries, has grown in prominence, with three of its courses receiving certification from World Athletics.
To build a strong international reputation, the event celebrated not just for its competitive spirit but also for the breathtaking scenery of the Rwenzori Mountains.
To accommodate different fitness levels and interests, the marathon offered a variety of courses a 5km fun run, a 10km race, a 21km half marathon, and the challenging 42km full marathon.
The event of the highlight was the 42km full marathon, which saw Chelangat Abel claim victory in the men’s category, while Emily Chebet emerged as the winner in the women’s category.
To preserve nature and market the various tourist attractions to the world, lots of young people participated in rallying the community in Rwenzori at the event.
To explore the region and also be at the forefront in advocating for a green environment, the youth participated in the Mt. Rwenzori Marathon.
“URN that he and his peers participated in this marathon in solidarity with all young people who are championing the greening of the environment. He hopes that if young people especially those who are in school fully embrace nature conservation it would address climate change and its effects.” Yasin Asaba, a learner at Standard High School in Nyamwamba Division, Kasese municipality said.
“Apart from discovering new places in Rwenzori, he was also focused on identifying areas that require conservation interventions. He plans to mobilise his fellow students to plant trees in some of the areas he found with bear soils” Ashraf Murangira, another student says.
A senior three student at Kasese Secondary School Herbert Mugisa says that to address pressing environmental challenges in the region, the race was an exposure to knowledge and skills needed.
“The growing population is now influencing demand for critical natural resources and services alongside the considerable environmental pressures resulting from unsustainable consumption patterns.” He added.
For Bwambale Collins Mbaghuta, the degraded natural resources impact the health and livelihoods of local communities and as such he believes it’s his mandate to contribute to a free toxic environment. He said at their school they are running a greening project to contribute to nature conservation.
The People Culture and Administration Manager at the World Wide Fund for Nature-WWF-Uganda Country office Agatha Hamba Muloki said they have supported young people and children to attend the Mt. Rwenzori marathon as initiative to instill environmental stewardship and sustainability practices in their hearts and minds to guarantee a sustainable future for all. She added saying that URN that WWF-Uganda is undertaking the Green Schools Project in 35 schools across the country, an initiative that is putting young people at the center of conservation.
“Peter Ogwang the State Minister for Sports is pleased that many young people are taking part in conservation efforts through engaging in different activities. He added that it’s time that the country builds a holistic approach to promote tourism through sports.” He said.
